Rome, 31 Oct. (LaPresse) – Haas has confirmed that Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix. Hirakawa, who has been the team’s reserve driver since 2025, took part in the first free practice session for the American team on Friday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, before Ocon returned to the track during the second hour of practice. On Saturday morning, Haas announced that Hirakawa would take the driver’s seat for the rest of the weekend in Mexico. A press release issued by the team stated: “TGR Haas F1 Team reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, from Saturday 31 October to Sunday 1 November. Hirakawa (32), a two-time FIA World Endurance Championship winner ?? (2022, 2023) and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (2022) with Toyota GAZOO Racing, took part in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday 30 October – his third free practice session of the season behind the wheel of the VF-26, finishing 15th overall. “The Japanese driver will partner his team-mate Ollie Bearman in the final free practice sessions and qualifying for the 71-lap Grand Prix on Saturday and Sunday, which will mark Hirakawa’s F1 debut,” the statement concludes.
F1: Haas withholds Ocon from racing in Mexico; reserve driver Hirakawa takes his place
Rome, 31 Oct. (LaPresse) – Haas has confirmed that Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexican Grand Prix. Hirakawa, who has been the team’s reserve driver since 2025, took part in the first free practice session for the American team on Friday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, before Ocon returned to the track during the second hour of practice. On Saturday morning, Haas announced that Hirakawa would take the driver’s seat for the rest of the weekend in Mexico. A press release issued by the team stated: “TGR Haas F1 Team reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, from Saturday 31 October to Sunday 1 November. Hirakawa (32), a two-time FIA World Endurance Championship winner ?? (2022, 2023) and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (2022) with Toyota GAZOO Racing, took part in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday 30 October – his third free practice session of the season behind the wheel of the VF-26, finishing 15th overall. “The Japanese driver will partner his team-mate Ollie Bearman in the final free practice sessions and qualifying for the 71-lap Grand Prix on Saturday and Sunday, which will mark Hirakawa’s F1 debut,” the statement concludes.